Pamplona, in the Pyrenees foothills, is the capital of the province of Navarre. It is now best known as the host of one of Spain's most famous festivals, the Running of the Bulls, held in conjunction with the Fiesta de San Fermin. The Running of the Bulls originated as a way to move the bulls from a corral to the bull fighting arena. Writers, most notably Ernest Hemingway, popularized the event through their writings.
Rafael Huerto, 'Monument to the Running of the Bulls' - 2007
Rafael Huerto, 'Monument to the Running of the Bulls' - 2007
This fallen runner is the sculptor.
This fallen runner is the sculptor.
Pamplona City Hall - The running of the bulls begins near the fence in the lower left of this photo.
Pamplona City Hall - The running of the bulls begins near the fence in the lower left of this photo.
This is the view the bulls have when they are released from the bull pen.
This is the view the bulls have when they are released from the bull pen.
At the time of our visit, preparations were underway for the Running of the Bulls, due to start in about a week. These workmen are assembling the fences that will help protect spectators who have the good judgment to stay behind them.
At the time of our visit, preparations were underway for the Running of the Bulls, due to start in about a week. These workmen are assembling the fences that will help protect spectators who have the good judgment to stay behind them.
A bull's eye view of the entry door into the arena. Of course, it would be open for the bulls!
A bull's eye view of the entry door into the arena. Of course, it would be open for the bulls!
The most important spectators stand in this reserved space between these two fences.
The most important spectators stand in this reserved space between these two fences.
A statue of Ernest Hemingway outside the bull-fighting arena.
A statue of Ernest Hemingway outside the bull-fighting arena.
Cafe Iruña, located on the Plaza del Castillo, was one of Hemingway's favorite spots.
Cafe Iruña, located on the Plaza del Castillo, was one of Hemingway's favorite spots.
Roxanna inside Cafe Iruña. She is photographing Whit, who is at the bar collecting beverages.
Roxanna inside Cafe Iruña. She is photographing Whit, who is at the bar collecting beverages.
Setting up for the San Fermin Festival in the Plaza del Castillo
Setting up for the San Fermin Festival in the Plaza del Castillo
Valor Chocolates is located on the ground floor of this building.
Valor Chocolates is located on the ground floor of this building.
Why we went to Valor Chocolates
Why we went to Valor Chocolates
Armand, Shirley, and Don enjoying 'The best churros and chocolate in Spain'.
Armand, Shirley, and Don enjoying 'The best churros and chocolate in Spain'.
Myra and John enjoying 'The best churros and chocolate in Spain'.
Myra and John enjoying 'The best churros and chocolate in Spain'.
The monument to Los Fueros of Navarre (the laws that governed this region during the Middle Ages)
The monument to Los Fueros of Navarre (the laws that governed this region during the Middle Ages)
